March 19 is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of Mary. It is an annual celebration as inconspicuous as the saint himself is. Recently, however, the name of “Joseph,” husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been included in all of the Eucharistic Prayers of the Mass as a recognition of his place in the life of the Incarnate Word and Mary.

Now that the excitement of the Christmas season and the glow of the New Year’s celebration has subsided a bit, we find ourselves feeling that life has picked up a rhythm that might be described best by looking at the liturgical calendar: “Ordinary Time.” This might not seem glamorous on its face, but the routine of daily life is a perfect place to find a closer union with Christ.

Every year, Christians across the world gather in prayer during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The week takes place Jan. 18-25. The theme selected by the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches (which includes the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity) is: “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue” (cf. Deuteronomy 16:20).

We are people of faith. The Holy Spirit is guiding us and we must listen to His inspirations and cooperate with His directions. This conviction motivated me to embark on a journey of discernment together with the “many voices” present in the diocese to form a Pastoral Plan for the diocese. 

A disrespect for human life is at the heart of our social and cultural problems today. Our own Church is not immune. The recent scandals painfully remind us of how the continuing abuses by Church personnel have denigrated the human dignity of those entrusted to her maternal care.